Print UK had previously been centred on the South East and London, but its move to the NEC on 1-4 April 2003 means that it will attract a national audience. Northprint takes place in Harrogate from 13-15 May.

AB Dick sales and marketing director Ray Hillhouse said that although the company had provisionally booked space at Northprint it would review the decision in light of Print UKs move.

We would like to support every event, but now the shows are five weeks apart that makes things a bit difficult. I support the move to the NEC, but Im not sure what effect that will have on Northprint, said Hillhouse.

Heidelberg has not made a formal decision to attend Print UK. Jim Todd, its UK sales director, said: Were undecided at the moment and not necessarily jumping for joy. Theres a risk of people getting exhibition-burnout. The closeness of the NEC event to Northprint concerns me.

Graphic Arts Equipment (GAE) marketing manager Vic Fletcher welcomed Print UKs move to the NEC because of Londons failure to attract visitors. However, he said GAE managing director Tony Hards had a soft spot for Northprint.

If Print UK catches on and fills up then I cant see Northprint surviving it has to be either or, he said.

A spokesman for Trade Events, Print UKs organiser, confirmed that the NEC had been booked and said Print UK would be held biannually (PrintWeek, 12 April).

Northprint exhibition director Andrew Furness declined to comment on the move, but said Northprint was full steam ahead.

Story by John Davies